ESPN Legendary NFL reporter Chris Mortensen passed away Sunday morning, the network announced. He was 72 years old.
“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and widely loved as a supportive and hard-working teammate,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “He covered the NFL with extraordinary skill and passion, and remained at the top of his field for decades. He will be truly missed by his colleagues and fans and will be dearly missed in our hearts.” Thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Mortensen announced that he will step down from his longtime role with ESPN after the 2023 NFL Draft to prioritize his health and family.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (right) appears on ESPN’s show with Chris Mortensen at FedEx Field on September 11, 2006 in Washington, DC. (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Mortensen announced in September 2023, “While I am excited for the new season, I have made the decision to step away from ESPN and focus on my health, family, and faith following the 33rd NFL Draft in April.” The time has come,” he tweeted.
On January 15, 2016, Mortensen revealed through a statement to ESPN that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer, which led to his time off.
NFL reporter Chris Mortensen leaves ESPN for the first time in more than 30 years, citing health and family reasons
Hailed as the original NFL insider with world-class leadership, Mortensen spent nearly his entire journalism career at ESPN, joining the network in 1991 and launching his “NFL Gameday” series, which later became today’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.” ” became a reporter. He was also featured on “Outside The Lines” and served as an analyst for the NFL Draft.
Mortensen’s journalism career began at the Daily Breeze in his hometown of Torrance, California. He eventually moved to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covered multiple sports, including MLB’s Atlanta Braves (1983-1985) and NFL’s Atlanta Falcons (1985-1986). He eventually covered the entire NFL starting in 1987 and received the George Polk Award for his work.
Mortensen then joined the Nationals and covered the league for two years before moving to ESPN.
The veteran reporter is infamously known as the person who broke the news of the New England Patriots’ “Deflategate” controversy, which was originally used during the 2015 AFC Championship Game vs. the Indianapolis Colts. reported that 11 out of 2 footballs were under 2 years of age. pounds per square inch. This is an NFL regulation.
Chris Mortensen is shown during the Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seahawks on November 27, 2006 in Seattle. (Kirby Lee/NFLPhotoLibrary)
The Wells report later revealed that of the 22 measurements taken in the Patriots study, only one found that the Patriots football weighed less than 2 pounds per square inch. did. Even though Mortensen’s report was debunked, ESPN let it stand without any retraction or explanation.
Mortensen deleted his Twitter post several months later, but continued to stand by his report.
Mortensen’s loss shocked many in the NFL world, including his ESPN colleague Mike Greenberg.
“Chris Mortensen was one of the kindest, most generous gentlemen I have ever met in any field,” Greenberg tweeted. “His professionalism and politeness have earned him widespread admiration. His enthusiasm and good nature have made him a friend to everyone. His footprint in the business will be long lasting, good luck. His influence on those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will last for the rest of our lives.” Rest in peace, Mr. Malt. We will cherish your memories forever. ”
ESPN colleague Mike Tannenbaum also expressed his condolences.
Chris Mortensen (Kevin C. Cox/AAF/Getty Images/File)
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“Absolutely shocked to hear of Chris Mortensen’s passing,” he wrote on X. “He was a giant and a pioneer in our profession, but he was also one of the kindest and most generous people to me. He was a mentor to many of us at ESPN. He will be missed. He will be missed, but his legacy of kindness and giving will remain with us. Rest in Peace, my friend.”
